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Hollywood actor Tom Cruise gallantly saved a reporter from being sacked on Wednesday night by taking extra time to give interviews at the premiere of his new film “Knight and Day” in Munich.

The 48-year-old walked the red carpet lined with squealing fans alongside co-star Cameron Diaz to promote the new action comedy, which opens in German cinemas on July 22.

But he took so much time signing autographs and mugging for photographs with his adorers that the time set aside for interviews with journalists almost ran out.

The delay caused one reporter to cry out desperately, “Tom, please, otherwise I'll be fired!”

Cruise reportedly reacted promptly, turning to the reporter and saying, “Ok, get started, I promise that you won't be fired.”

Even after organisers tried to end the question-and-answer session, the actor stayed to talk about a visit to a Munich Biergarten the night before and gush about his four-year-old daughter Suri. He said he wouldn't rule out the possibility that the little girl would follow in his footsteps and those of his wife Kate Holmes, who is also an actor.

Co-star Diaz, 37, also took time to greet the hundreds of fans who braved the sultry heat to see the stars. When reporters asked how she was handling the weather she offered an honest answer.